The early poems of John Clare 1804-1822: General editor Eric Robinson: Edited by Eric Robinson and David Powell: Associate editor Margaret Grainger |
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ON THE DEATH OF A SCOLD |
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 | The early poems of John Clare |  |
245
ON THE DEATH OF A SCOLD
A scolding woman's worse then hellHer tongue can never cease
She loves in quarrels to oppose
& hates the thoughts of peace
So hags delight to see the storm
Deform the smiling skye
& joys to hear the thunder roll
& see the light'ning flie
They know their tools is ready then
To prosper every spell
Which the black arts of malice plans
In journey work for hell
But that which seems as choise in those
Which bear the hellish mark
May be the effect of fear & dread
Hells mysterys are dark
Tis said their bodys when spells fail
Is like their souls condemn'd
& when they fail of Nickeys prey
He foxlike seizes them
246
The same thing may be said
Who after marrying husbands six
& scolding all to dead
She looking out for further work
A seventh still desir'd
But as Experience makes fools wise
Her customers grew tir'd
So when her tongue could find no more
To load with its abuse
It silencd not from being old
But only want of use
So Nicky seeing trade had faild
& no one car'd to come
He thought it time to shut up shop
& Instant took her home
| The early poems of John Clare | |